Double Championship Success

Captain Orn Chanpolin lifts the U-17 Championship trophy

The Phnom Penh Crown Academy U-17s finished their season last week and won all six league matches to register a 100% record as Cambodia U-17 Youth League Champions, for the second year running. Captain Orn Chanpolin collected the trophy with his teammates, as well as the prize money of 5 million riels ($1250) this morning at Tonle Bati. They also picked up the awards for Fair Play, Top Scorer (Suon Noeut- 13 goals) and Best Goalkeeper (Kung Chanvuthy).

Captain Svang Samnang lifts up the U-15s Championship trophy at Tonle Bati

The Phnom Penh Crown Academy U-15s made sure of a 100% record with this morning's 1-0 win over the FFC Academy at Tonle Bati and picked up the Cambodia U-15 Youth League Championship, for the second successive season. Here, captain Svang Samnang and the team celebrate being handed the trophy and prize money of 5 million riels ($1250). Kung Rafat was awarded the Best Goalkeeper award. 

U-17 champs

PPCFC U-17s, back row, LtoR: Chanpolin, Senteang, V Samnang, Chanchav, Sakrovy, S Samnang (capt). Front: Ponvuthy, Noeut, Baraing, Noron, Rozak - click to enlarge

Result: Phnom Penh Crown U-17 Academy 16 Civil Aviation 0 (Cambodia U-17 Youth League).
The U-17 Academy team completed their season with a thumping win over Civil Aviation, to confirm themselves as Youth League Champions for the 2nd year in succession, with 6 wins in as many matches. On Fair Play Day, despite extreme provocation from their opponents who had two players red carded in the second-half and 7 booked, Crown passed their way through the Aviation defence to run up a big score. Out injured were Kim Chhaya, In Sodavid, Men Piphop and Long Phearath, so the U-17s had just five players on the bench. In goal, Svang Samnang skippered the team and read out a few words before the kick-off on behalf of FIFA Fair Play. It took four minutes for Seut Baraing to open the scoring as he blasted a 25-yard free-kick past the keeper, after Orn Chanpolin was fouled. It would turn out to be the story of the game as CA resorted to strong-arm tactics to try to half the Academy but without success. Chhuot Senteang scored 2 goals in two minutes, as he finished off a pass from Mat Noron, and then moved onto Pov Ponvuthy's through ball and produced a deft touch over the onrushing keeper. His second was on 15 minutes. Two minutes later and Mat Sakrovy picked up the ball 25 yards out, sidestepped two defenders and let fly from distance for Crown's 4th. A superb one-two by Chanpolin with Senteang saw the midfield dynamo roll the ball in for a fifth on 23 minutes. More chances came and went as Crown totally dominated, with the CA keeper pulling out a series of good saves to keep the scoreline to five at the break.

Mat Noron opened the second-half flood of goals on 9 minutes when Sath Rozak and Baraing combined to present him with the opportunity. Ouk Sovann tested his free-kick range with a 20-yarder against the cross-bar, before Noron netted his second on 67 minutes, from a Rozak pass. Three minutes later, CA lost their first player to a red card for a crude lunge on Senteang and a minute later, Sovann made them pay as he curled a free-kick over the wall and into the top corner. With the clock just ticking on another minute, Sovann outpaced his marker, who took a kick at him, but he recovered and laced the ball into the net from wide on the left. More bookings for CA followed as they lost their heads and Sovann claimed a six-minute hat-trick, as Noron was upended and Sovann placed one of his free-kick specials over the wall and into the net. 76 minutes played. A minute later, Senteang was floored, a penalty awarded and another CA player saw red, though he initially refused to walk. Civil Aviation were making a mockery of the FIFA Fair Play event that preceded the match. Senteang lashed the ball into the net for his hat-trick. On 81 minutes Yeu Muslim slotted the ball home from Sovann's cross-field pass that put him in acres of space, and Senteang scored his fourth from Muslim's byeline cross. Senteang repaid his teammate with an unselfish pass for Muslim to tap home as Crown ran riot against a demoralised CA outfit. With four minutes to go, Baraing ventured upfield, took a pass from Noron and steered the ball into the top corner with a great strike. And in stoppage time, the full-back raced from his own half, walked the ball around the keeper and over the line for his hat-trick and the Academy's 16th without reply. Svang Samnang in goal was a spectator, though CA's tactics were questionable throughout the match and not in keeping with the FFC's focus of the day.  The Academy U-17s will be presented with their trophy and medals next Sunday.

PPCFC U-17s v CA: S Samnang (capt), Noeut (Titchhy 46), Baraing, V Samnang, Chanchav (Sovann 46), Rozak, Sakrovy (Muslim 59), Chanpolin, Noron, Ponvuthy, Senteang. Subs not used: Chanvuthy, Chansopheak. MOTM: Sovann & Baraing. Bookings: None. Goals: Baraing 3 (4, 86, 90+1), Senteang 4 (14, 15, 78pen, 84,), Sakrovy (17), Chanpolin (23), Noron 2 (54, 67), Sovann 3 (71, 72, 76), Muslim 2 (81, 85).

More Academy victories

PPCFC U-17s, back row, LtoR: Chanvuthy, Sakrovy, Noron, Chanchav, V Samnang, Titchhy. Front: Rozak, Phearath, Noeut, Muslim, Piphop (capt) - click to enlarge

Result: PPCFC Academy U-17s 23 Bong Paoun 0 (Cambodia U-17 Youth League).
As it was in their first meeting in the Youth League, it was all one-way traffic from the opening minute of this afternoon's game at Tonle Bati. Coach Bouy Dary used the game to give his squad players a run-out. The U-17s led 11-0 at the interval and top scorer for the game was Mat Sakrovy, who scored five goals in the first-half and another three after the break to hit 8. Mat Noron scored 4, captain Men Piphop scored 3, and Suon Noeut moved up from full-back to net a hat-trick as well. Yeu Muslim 2, Choun Chanchav, Long Phearath and Ian Sodavid also scored. More later.

PPCFC U-15s, back row, LtoR: Samnang, Safy, Savey, Sovannaroth, Chanmony, Panha (capt). Front: Kakada, Pisoth, Piseth, S David, N David - click to enlarge

Result: PPCFC Academy U-15s 8 Chraing Chamres 1 (Cambodia U-15 Youth League).
The Academy U-15s made it six out of six with another comprehensive victory, but conceded their first goal of the season, a penalty. Mao Piseth top scored again, netting five goals, opening the scoring and grabbing another on the stroke of half-time. Chraing Chamres' only attack of the 1st half earned then a penalty, which they scored. After the break, Nop David scored from the penalty spot, Sin Kakada floated in a free-kick and Tong Chanmony fired in an unstoppable shot. Piseth took advantage of some weak defending with two goals from open play, before he wrapped it up from the penalty spot with his fifth. More later.

Rozak inspires win

PPCFC U-17s, back row, LtoR: Chanvuthy, Sakrovy, Senteang, Chanchav, Chanpolin, Baraing. Front: Sovann, Ponvuthy, Sodavid, Phearath, Rozak (capt) - click to enlarge

Result: Phnom Penh Crown Academy U-17 4 Boeung Ket 1 (Cambodia U-17 Youth League).
Crown began in confident fashion, passing the ball cleanly while Boeung Ket were content to defend in numbers. Mat Sakrovy headed over a Long Phearath free-kick and Orn Chanpolin had a long range shot deflected inches wide of the upright. The BK goalkeeper did well to punch a Seut Baraing free-kick to safety after Ouk Sovann was fouled. At the other end Kung Chanvuthy made a diving save but from the resulting corner, he was clearly impeded as he went for the ball, but the referee turned away as Boeung Ket stabbed the ball home to take the lead, much to Chanvuthy's disgust. Four minutes later on 28 minutes, Crown were level. In Sodavid's short pass put Sath Rozak in space 25 yards out and he drilled an arrow-like scorcher into the bottom corner. It was his third attempt on goal in five minutes. Sodavid then set up Sakrovy but he powered a shot against the crossbar, a long distance drive from Seut Baraing stung the keeper's hands before Sakrovy went close on two more occasions. With four minutes of the first-half remaining, a foul on Chhuot Senteang gave Sovann the excuse to try his trademark free-kick and he didn't let his teammates down. Twenty-five yards from goal he curled the ball over the wall and in off the inside of the post. 2-1 to Crown. And there was still time for both Sakrovy and Senteang to miss very presentable chances before the break.

The one-way traffic continued after the interval. Sodavid had a shot blocked by a forest of legs, another Sovann free-kick was caught by the keeper, who then took out Chanpolin around his ears, as he was clean through and touched the ball past the stopper, only for the referee to blow for a foul by Chanpolin. A decision no-one could fathom. It was at the very least a red card and a penalty. Yeu Muslim broke clear but his shot was saved by the keeper's legs, Baraing sent a free-header over the bar from close in before Crown claimed their third on 75 minutes. Rozak's through ball was pounced on by Suon Noeut, who cut inside a defender and let fly with a hard drive inside the near post. Crown piled on the pressure, with Muslim's snap-shot tipped over the bar and then he screwed another shot across the face of goal. Sakrovy's drive was touched onto the cross-bar by the keeper until on 87 minutes Men Piphop blasted in the Academy's fourth from ten yards out, to make it 2 wins in two games.
PPCFC U-17s: Chanvuthy, Sovann, Phearath, Baraing, Chanchav, Chanpolin (Piphop 82), Sodavid, Rozak (capt), Ponvuthy (Noeut 66), Sakrovy, Senteang (Muslim 63). Subs not used: S Samnang, Chhaya, Titchhy. Bookings: Ponvuthy. MOTM: Rozak - led by example. Goals: Rozak (28), Sovann (41), Noeut (75), Piphop (87).

A thumping victory

PPCFC U-17s, back row, LtoR: Chanpolin, Sodavid, Senteang, Chanchav, Sovann, Chanvuthy. Front: Ponvuthy, Piphop, Noeut, Baraing, Phearath - click to enlarge

Result: Phnom Penh Crown Academy U-17s 25 Bong Paoun U-17s 0 (Cambodia U-17 Youth League).
The Academy U-17s set about retaining their U-17 title with a thumping 25-0 win over newcomers Bong Paoun at Tonle Bati this afternoon. The new boys, who won the ISF U-17 Youth League in August, conceded after just 37 seconds and it was all downhill from there. The half-time score was 10-0. Crown netted another fifteen after the break and without a dozen excellent saves by BP goalkeeper Torn Prohpov, the result would've been more crushing. Suon Noeut top scored with 8 goals, followed by Chhuot Senteang and In Sodavid with 5 each. Men Piphop scored 4 and there was 1 each for Pov Ponvuthy, Ouk Sovann (pen) and an own goal. And the Academy were without six of their players because of an Islamic holiday and injuries.
PPCFC U-17s: Chanvuthy, Sovann, Phearath, Chanchav, Baraing (S Samnang 62), Chanpolin (V Samnang 48), Sodavid, Piphop, Noeut, Ponvuthy, Senteang (Titchhy 69). Bookings: None. MOTM: Noeut - eight goals and never stopped running. Goals: Noeut 8 (25, 28, 62, 74, 75, 77, 88, 89), Senteang 5 (1, 19, 57, 58, 67), Sodavid 5 (3, 45, 46, 65, 85), Piphop 4 (34, 72, 76, 83), Ponvuthy (15), Sovann pen (21), Own Goal (36).

Crown collect 2 Championships

PPCFC U-17s line-up: Back Row LtoR: K Chhaya, Titchhy, Senteang, Sovann, Soksela, Chanpolin (capt). Front Row: Sodavid, Noeut, Chansopheak, Piphop, Phearath - click to enlarge

Result: PPCFC Academy U-17 0 Svay Rieng 0 - PPCFC won 4-3 on penalties (Cambodia U-17 Youth League Play-off Final).
The two Cambodia Youth League play-off Finals took place today with the Phnom Penh Crown Academy teams collecting the Championships in both the U-17 and U-15 categories for a memorable double success. The first final was in the U-17 age group and Crown coach Bouy Dary included three players who were also set to feature in the U-15 match that would follow immediately after. Orn Chanpolin took the captain's armband for the final and Ouk Sovann made it through a late fitness test after a groin strain. Just three minutes into the game and Chhuot Senteang set up Suon Noeut but Sem Mesa was out quickly to block the danger. Long Phearath tried his luck from distance but without success, as did Kim Chhaya with a free-kick that sailed over. Next to test Mesa was In Sodavid as Crown edged possession but gave the ball away too much. Svay Rieng's best chance came on the half-hour and Keo Soksela got in the way with a 1-handed save low down to smother the danger. Sovann, booked for a clumsy tackle a little earlier, sent in a free-kick late in the half which Mesa held and the keeper then produced a brilliant tip over to deny a long-range effort from Phearath in time added on. Honours even at the half-time break.

Svay Rieng threatened briefly but sent their breakaway effort wide of the mark. On 66 minutes a Sovann free-kick found its way to Senteang, twelve yards out and in space, but he rushed his finish and sent it wildly over the cross-bar. Eight minutes from normal time and with both teams finding it hard going to establish any rhythm, Svay Rieng went down to ten men when a second yellow card was shown for a high foot on Pov Ponvuthy. The recipient had only been on the pitch for seven minutes and was booked twice in that time as Svay Rieng tried to kill the game. Vat Samnang shot weakly at Mesa and in the fourth minute of injury time, the province team were fortunate to escape a second red card as Senteang was scythed down as he raced through a static defence. Referee Tuy Vichheka blew for full-time and without enough time before the next final for extra-time the game went into a penalty-kick decider. Svay Rieng's Ravann took the opening kick and Soksela, diving to his right, pulled off a great save. Chanpolin placed his kick to the left and scored to put Crown ahead. Ratanak stepped up and sent his spot-kick over Soksela's head for 1-1 and late substitute Seut Baraing netted for Crown, though Mesa got a hand to it. Dinarong levelled it at 2 apiece before a moment of heartbreak for Pov Ponvuthy, as his kick was saved by Mesa. Svay Rieng got their noses in front when Chansereyvong sent Soksela the wrong way only for Sodavid to score with confidence to make it 3-3. Once Harit sent his spot-kick ballooning over the bar, Ouk Sovann stepped up and calmly slotted his penalty into the corner and set off on a celebration run that was ended when his teammates smothered him. Crown had won 4-3 on penalty kicks to collect the Championship, which they had topped after the regulation season as well. Baraing ran from the field to take his place as the captain of the U-15s team, who were already lined-up and ready to enter the pitch, as his teammates continued their jubilant celebrations. That would continue at the presentation ceremony when the U-17s Most Valuable Player was collected by Orn Chanpolin, the Best Goalkeeper went to Keo Soksela, Bouy Dary collected Best Coach, the team received the Fair Play trophy and Chanpolin was a happy chappy as he lifted the Championship trophy aloft to the cheers of his teammates.
PPCFC U-17s v Svay Rieng: Soksela, Chansopheak, Phearath, Sovann, Titchhy (Baraing 76), Chanpolin, Sodavid, Noeut (V Samnang 78), Chhaya (Nuron 89), Piphop (Ponvuthy 62), Senteang. Subs not used: Chanvuthy, T Chhaya, Chanchav, Sakrovy, Rozak. Bookings: Sovann, Titchhy. MOTM: Sovann - cool under pressure and a title-winning penalty. Goals (pens): Chanpolin, Baraing, Sodavid, Sovann.

The PPCFC U-17s celebrate their success immediately after the final whistle

U-17s cruise into final

PPCFC U-17s, back row, LtoR: Sakrovy, Baraing, Chanpolin, Sodavid, Soksela, Titchhy (capt). Front: Senteang, Nuron, Chansopheak, Phearath, V Samnang - click to enlarge

Result: PPCFC Academy U-17s 5 Army 0 (Cambodia U-17 Youth League Semi-Final).
The Crown U-17s dominated from start to finish in this Youth League play-off semi-final and deservedly take their place in next Sunday's final against rivals Svay Rieng, who beat Western Uni in the earlier tie played at the BBU pitch. In Sodavid kicked off the domination when he scored the opening goal in the fifth minute. Individually, Sodavid was excellent throughout, and he was on hand to fire through the crowd after both Chhuot Senteang and Mat Sakrovy had their efforts charged down. The Army keeper came to his team's rescue on numerous occasions as Crown peppered his goal. Senteang and Sakrovy were foiled, Mat Nuron's effort was deflected wide and a vicious strike from Sodavid was pushed over the cross-bar. Seut Baraing and Sraing Titchhy sent free-kicks inches wide, Sodavid weaved his way through but poked his shot wide before the referee finally pointed to the spot as Sakrovy was felled, despite waving away two much more obvious appeals. Sodavid stepped up, with 32 minutes on the clock, but saw his spot-kick saved low down. Sakrovy fired against the upright before Sodavid was tripped and Sakrovy netted confidently from the spot on 39 minutes. Exactly a minute later, Sakrovy's shot was blocked and Vat Samnang thundered his drive into the top corner for Crown's third. Nuron and Orn Chanpolin found the keeper an obstacle too hard to beat, while Senteang crashed a shot against the bar as the first-half drew to a close.

Eight minutes after the restart and Sodavid was at it again, curling a 25-yarder into the roof of the net after the ball came out to him as Senteang's shot was saved by the keeper. Two minutes later he registered his hat-trick, finishing sweetly after Nuron and Sakrovy combined well on the left flank. Senteang looped a glorious chance over the cross-bar and substitute Pov Ponvuthy saw his breakaway dash and shot stopped on the line. Sodavid weaved his way past three players but his close-in finishing let him down as he poked his effort wide of the target and in the final seconds, Nuron had a shot saved. The final score was 5-0 in favour of Crown but they should've scored more and will need to be more clinical against Svay Rieng in next Sunday's U-17 Youth League play-off Final.
PPCFC U-17s: Soksela, Chansopheak, Phearath, Baraing, Titchhy (capt) (Ponvuthy 76), Sodavid, Chanpolin (T Chhaya 73), Sakrovy, Nuron, V Samnang, Senteang (Muslim 73). Subs not used: Chanvuthy, Piphop, Noeut, K Chhaya, Rozak, Chanchav. Booked; Titchhy. MOTM: Sodavid - he was everywhere. Goals: Sodavid (5, 53, 55), Sakrovy (39 pen), V Samnang (40).

Crown finish on top

PPCFC v Western. Back Row LtoR: Chanvuthy, Sovann, Chhaya, Titchhy, Sodavid, Chanpolin. Front: Senteang, Piphop, Muslim, Noeut, Phearath(capt)

Result: PPCFC Academy U-17s 7 Western Uni 1 (Cambodia U-17 Youth League).
Another victory for the Academy U-17s against a determined Western Uni team from Pursat at the BBU field this morning. The win leaves Crown at the top of the league table with 21 points from eight games and a superior goal difference over Svay Rieng, who are on the same points tally. However, the championship will be decided by play-offs, which will begin on 22 December, rather than first past the post. Western put up stiff resistance but faced a Crown team determined to continue their push for the title. Ouk Sovann's free-kick was held by the keeper who then smothered Kim Chhaya's attempt, whilst Men Piphop's shot was blocked on the line. In Sodavid gave his team the lead on 18 minutes when he took a touch to a clearing header and fired his shot through the crowd from 20 yards out. Six minutes later and Chhout Senteang was sent clear by Chhaya and he kept his composure to roll his shot wide of the onrushing keeper, for number two. Another Senteang effort was stopped on the goal-line before Chhaya raced onto a Ken Chansopheak pass and chipped the third from 25 yards out with ten minutes left of the 1st-half. The Western keeper was called into action again to block another Chhaya effort before three minutes from the break, Piphop finished off a Chansopheak run and cross with a routine finish. Half-time and 4-nil ahead, and coasting.

Sodavid weaved his way through the Western defence just after the restart but somehow missed the target. Senteang did better on six minutes when he moved onto Suon Noeut's pass and finished easily. Looking a bit rusty after his long lay-off, Senteang fired weakly into the keeper's hands before he made sure of his hat-trick on 68 minutes, calmly slotting home from Sath Rozak's through ball. Six minutes from time, Sentang netted his fourth after Sodavid's bye-line pull-back was served on a a plate. Two minutes later a quick breakaway caught Crown by surprise and Western grabbed a late consolation goal. There was still time for Noeut to screw an easy chance wide and then thump the ball against the cross-bar from Senteang's pass.
PPCFC v Western: Chanvuthy, Muslim, Phearath (Chansopheak 14), Sovann (Rozak 64), Titchhy (Baraing 26), Chanpolin, Sodavid, Piphop (T Chhaya 70), K Chhaya (Sakrovy 58), Noeut, Senteang. Subs not used: Soksela, Chanchav, Ponvuthy, Nuron, V Samnang. Bookings: None. MOTM: Senteang - 4 goals. Goals: Senteang (24, 51, 68, 84), Sodavid (18), Chhaya (35), Piphop (42).

Crown hit Army for six

PPCFC v Army, back row, LtoR: Chanpolin, Senteang, Sakrovy, Sodavid, Sovann, Chanvuthy. Front Row: Chansopheak, Nuron, T Chhaya, Phearath, V Samnang (capt)

Result: PPCFC Academy U-17s 6 Army Youth Hope 0 (Cambodia U-17 Youth League).
In their penultimate Youth League game, the Academy U-17s controlled this morning's game from start to finish at a hard and bouncy BBU field against the Army. Today's captain was Vat Samnang, as coach Bouy Dary is giving different team members a chance with the armband, and he responded with the first two goals to start the game with a bang. On six minutes, Chhuot Senteang fed the ball to Samnang in front of goal and his finish went in off the post. Two minutes later and he struck again, this time slotting his finish inside the upright from Mat Sakrovy's through ball. Eleven minutes on the clock and Senteang put Crown further ahead. From Mat Nuron's pass, the striker, back in the starting line-up after a long lay-off, scored with a confident lob over the keeper. Crown made it four, eight minutes before the half-time interval. Sakrovy was denied twice before his third effort deflected in off the keeper's arm. The 2nd half began much as the first-half did with In Sodavid slotting home from the penalty spot after Sakrovy was felled with ten minutes on the clock. The Army keeper was being kept busy, stopping a couple of efforts from Sakrovy before the attacking midfielder claimed Crown's sixth and his second on 67 minutes. Yue Muslim and Sakrovy exchanged passes and the latter got his toe to the ball before the onrushing keeper to score. Orn Chanpolin and Sakrovy fluffed further opportunities to extend the 6-0 scoreline, which is how the game finished. 
PPCFC U-17s v Army: Chanvuthy, Chansopheak, Phearath, Sovann, Chanpolin, T Chhaya, Sodavid, Sakrovy, Nuron (Muslim 64), V Samnang, Senteang. Subs not used: Chanchav, Piphop, Baraing, Rozak, Noeut. Bookings: None. MOTM: Sakrovy. Goals: V Samnang 2 (6, 8), Senteang (11), Sakrovy 2 (37, 67), Sodavid (55 pen).

Honour restored

The PPCFC U-17s confirm their identities

Phnom Penh Crown Academy U-17s took the scalp they were gunning for with a 1-0 victory over their Cambodia U-17 Youth League rivals Svay Rieng U-17s this morning at the BBU field. A 2-1 defeat to the same opponents at the beginning of November had put them on the back foot in the title race but today's revenge win swings them back on course. And it was a deserved success too. Crown coach Bouy Dary made four changes to his usual line-up and one of the additions, Kim Chhaya put his team in the lead after ten minutes. Sraing Titchhy had already flashed a shot wide before Suon Noeut was fouled 25 yards from goal. Chhaya's left-foot free-kick sailed into the top corner for a stunning opener, leaving former Crown keeper Sem Mesa clutching at straws. Ouk Sovann sent another free-kick an inch or two wide of the upright and Titchhy, in an unfamiliar forward role, popped a header over the cross-bar from Noeut's cross. In Sodavid's threaded pass gave Titchhy another chance, but Mesa snuffed out the danger. Svay Rieng's only threat came from a couple of dodgy back-passes on a bone-hard surface. Eight minutes after the break, Titchhy was felled by Mesa as he raced onto Chhaya's pass and a penalty kick was the outcome. However, Titchhy blasted his spot-kick against the cross-bar and the danger passed. Chhuot Senteang replaced the injured Sovann and slotted into the back-four, just ten minutes into the second-half, playing with an assurance that belied his three months out with a broken collarbone. A clearance hit Men Piphop and fell kindly onto Noeut's head, only for Mesa to react to fingertip the effort over the bar. Orn Chanpolin and Piphop sent goal-bound efforts into the arms of Mesa before the keeper dived full length to push another Chanpolin long range shot around the post. It was the last action of the match, as Crown earned themselves a deserved three points and bragging rights for a few weeks.
PPCFC U-17s: Soksela, Chansopheak, Phearath, Sovann (Senteang 55), Baraing, Chanpolin, Sodavid (Muslim 93), Piphop (Ponvuthy 86), Noeut, K Chhaya (Nuron 69), Titchhy (Sakrovy 71). Subs not used: Chanvuthy, T Chhaya, Chanchav, V Samnang. Bookings: Titchhy, Baraing. MOTM: Baraing - always in the right place. Goal: Chhaya (10).

PPCFC U-17s v Svay Rieng. Back Row LtoR: Chhaya, Titchhy, Baraing, Chanpolin, Sovann, Soksela (capt). Front Row: Piphop, Noeut, Chansopheak, Phearath, Sodavid - click to enlarge

In total control

The Phnom Penh Crown Academy U-17s match with SSCA yesterday afternoon went to plan in the first half as Crown led 3-nil and were in total control. Just after Pov Ponvuthy had a goal ruled out for offside, In Sodavid popped up to get on the end of a Mat Nuron cross into the area after 14 minutes, to open the scoring, after the keeper blocked his first attempt. Sraing Titchhy was bizarrely booked for taking a free-kick too quickly and Orn Chanpolin volleyed wide before a minute before the half hour, Mat Sakrovy made it two, as he rounded off a surge into the box by Ponvuthy. The referee waved aside penalty appeals as Yeu Muslim and Titchhy went sprawling in the box, before the latter netted the third as he pushed up six minutes before the break, guiding a Sakrovy pass past the keeper. To avoid any possibility of another howler of a decision by the match official, Chhuot Senteang replaced Titchhy before half-time, his first action for 3 months and settled into a central defensive position. As for the 2nd half, it was mostly one-way traffic but Crown's final ball was missing and there was no more scoring. Vat Samnang and Chanpolin tested the keeper and Long Phearath weaved past three players and was tripped, but again the referee refused to award a spot-kick. Crown keeper Keo Soksela produced a lovely fingertip diving save to deny SSCA as they broke from Crown's stranglehold. A fully deserved victory though the winning margin should've been a lot greater.
PPCFC U-17s: Soksela, Chansopheak, Phearath, Sovann, Titchhy (Senteang 45), Chanpolin, Sodavid, Sakrovy (V Samnang 54), Nuron (T Chhaya 54), Ponvuthy, Muslim. Subs not used: Chanvuthy, Ronaldo. Booking: Titchhy. MOTM: Sodavid - cool under pressure.

PPCFC v SSCA. Back Row LtoR: Chanpolin, Sakrovy, Soksela, Titchhy, Sodavid, Sovann (capt). Front: Phearath, Muslim, Chansopheak, Nuron, Ponvuthy - click to enlarge

Crown crush Army

PPCFC U-17 starting XI. Back row, LtoR: Chanpolin, Sovann, Chanvuthy, Sodavid, Sakrovy, Titchhy (capt). Front: Chansopheak, Nuron, Muslim, Phearath, Ponvuthy.

The Phnom Penh Crown Academy U-17 team were determined to wipe away the memory of a defeat to arch rivals Svay Rieng in their previous game, by meting out another footballing lesson, this time to a hapless Army Youth Hope team, that did well to keep the final score below double figures. With the match played on a partly-waterlogged Dept of Sport & PE pitch in Tuol Kork, Army failed to register a shot on target for the whole ninety minutes and had to endure wave upon wave of Crown attacks in both halves. They must've longed for the final whistle, which finally came in darkness as the match kicked off later than arranged. With Army on the back foot from the beginning, Mat Nuron fired into the side netting and then had a long range effort tipped around the post. Captain Sraing Titchhy punished the cross-bar with a 25-yard free-kick just moments before Ken Chansopheak gave Crown the lead on 21 minutes. It was a goal made by one full-back and scored by the other. Long Phearath danced his way around three defenders and crossed for Chansopheak to arrive at just the right time and steer the ball home. Six minutes later and Yeu Muslim nipped in with a clinical finish after a defender had failed to clear Mat Sakrovy's header for number two. Five minutes before half-time, another Phearath break on the left flank gave Pov Ponvuthy Crown's third goal after the full-back's cross was headed out to him fifteen yards from goal. A controversial decision by the referee, two minutes later - which he would repeat in the 2nd half - came to nothing as Muslim was hauled down as he raced through, only for a yellow card to be shown, despite it being a last man and clear goalscoring opportunity. The decision was simply wrong and for him to repeat it later in the match, shows that the referee doesn't understand one of the basic laws of the game. There was still time for Ouk Sovann to send his free-kick onto the bar though Nuron was flagged offside as he headed in the rebound.

With Crown camped in the final third of the pitch, there was no let up for the beleaguered Army backline. Their keeper kept out a Nuron drive and then spilled In Sodavid's shot which Muslim tapped home, but the flag was raised again. Three illegal Army tackles in the box went unpunished as Men Piphop fired against the upright before Crown netted again on 68 minutes. Sakrovy showed a lovely touch as he sploshed his way around three players in the waterlogged penalty area and finished with some style from Piphop's pass. On the half-hour Army were down to ten men for a second yellow card after Vat Samnang was pulled to the ground. Nine minutes from time Theang Chhaya chased and crossed for Suon Noeut to finish and less than a minute later, Noeut was brought down as he raced through, only for the referee to get it wrong again, with just a yellow card. At least there was some justice as Titchhy took aim and slotted the free-kick past the wall and into the far corner. Samnang was giving the Army the runaround and avoided two tackles before setting up Noeut for his second five minutes from time. Two minutes from the end, and in deepening gloom, Samnang took the ball around the last defender and made no mistake to give Crown a well-deserved 8-0 victory.

PPCFC U-17s v Army: Chanvuthy, Chansopheak, Phearath, Sovann, Titchhy, Chanpolin, Sodavid, Sakrovy (T Chhaya 78), Nuron (V Samnang 69), Ponvuthy (Piphop 60), Muslim (Noeut 59). Subs not used: Soksela, Chanchav, K Chhaya, Senteang. MOTM: Titchhy - rock solid in defence and dangerous in offense. Goals: Chansopheak (21), Muslim (27), Ponvuthy (39), Sakrovy (68), Noeut (81, 85), Titchhy (83), Samnang (88).

Goalscorer Yeu Muslim takes a half-time breather

Listening intently to the coach is Ken Chansopheak and Pov Ponvuthy (9)

U-17s go down fighting

PPCFC U-17 v Svay Rieng: Back Row LtoR; Sovan, Chanvuthy, Baraing, Chanpolin, Sakrovy, Titchhy. Front Row: Sodavid (capt), Nuron, Muslim, Noeut, Ponvuthy - click to enlarge

Over the past year, Phnom Penh Crown Academy matches against Svay Rieng at youth level have been close affairs. In recent games the ex-Preah Khan Reach youths have fared better, winning the CFDL title a few months ago and securing another victory again this afternoon. But the 2-1 scoreline fails to tell the full story behind this Cambodia U-17 Youth League game. Played on the poor Dept of Sport and PE pitch in Tuol Kork, the first-half was pretty much even steven. In Sodavid and Mat Nuron had chances but there was little of note until an off-the-ball incident before a corner, left Crown keeper Kung Chanvuthy lying on the floor clutching his face. An elbow from a Svay Rieng defender was the reason but the match referee was weak in his response and only flashed a yellow card after consulting with his linesman. His failure to take strong action would impact on the rest of the game. Just 28 seconds after the half-time break, Nuron got a touch to Seut Baraing's center only for Sim Mesa to block at point blank range. Mesa played with Crown's U-15 Asean side last season and had just joined Svay Rieng from Boeung Ket. Four minutes into the second half and Svay Rieng took the lead as the linesman's flag stayed down, despite loud calls for offside by the Crown defenders. A second blow came on fourteen minutes as a route one free-kick was back-headed on and the ball looped over Chanvuthy and into the net for Svay Rieng's second. The goal stung Crown into action and Mesa just managed to scoop Orn Chanpolin's long range effort around the post. Mesa was again in the thick of it as he saved from Men Piphop after Sraing Titchhy's poke had been cleared off the line. Chanpolin sent another 25-yarder goalwards, only for Mesa to react late and deny him as Crown continued to press. With 12 minutes left on the clock, Titchhy got his head to Baraing's free-kick to find the net at last for Crown, but despite camping in the Svay Rieng half, they couldn't find the elusive equaliser. As tempers rose to boiling point, mainly as a result of weak officiating, Long Phearath received a kick in the face and players had to be separated when a Svay Rieng player reacted to a foul by threatening to punch Kim Chhaya in the face. With a flurry of substitutions, a multitude of stoppages for mystery injuries suffered by Svay Rieng's players and general time wasting, time added on should've been around 8 minutes but the match referee decided on just two and called time with Svay Rieng recording a 2-1 success. I have never seen Crown's Academy players complain to match officials, it's not in their nature, but they did just that today out of utter frustration. All to no avail. To be frank the officials were simply not up to the job. The two teams are the best youth sides in the country and the game was more than the young match officials could handle. It stood out like a sore thumb.
PPCFC U-17s v Svay Rieng: Chanvuthy, Noeut, Baraing, Sovann, Titchhy, Chanpolin, Sodavid, Nuron (K Chhaya), Ponvuthy (Chansopheak), Sakrovy (Piphop), Muslim (Phearath). Subs not used: Chanchav, V Samnang, T Chhaya. Bookings: None. MOTM: Chanpolin. Goal: Titchhy (78).

The PPCFC U-17s bench before the game began

Captain In Sodavid (23) watches the referee tossing up

Svay Rieng U-17s before kick-off

Teams post 8-1 scorelines

PPCFC U-15s line-up, back row LtoR: Chhaya, Sovannaroth, Noeut, Chanchav, Samnang, Baraing. Front Row: Rozak, Saphy, Piseth, Piphop, Kakada

The Phnom Penh Crown Academy teams that represent the club in the new Cambodia Youth Leagues at U-15 and U-17 have been in action in the last few days. This morning, the Crown U-15s played their second match in the U-15 Youth League, beating Boeung Ket 8-1 at the NIPES pitch in Tuol Kork. After their 27-0 win over Komar Ang Snuol in their opening league match, this game wasn't so one-sided but was still a comfortable victory with Suon Noeut scoring 5 goals (he scored 10 goals in the last game) and one each for Kim Chhaya, Sath Rozak and late substitute Tong Chanmony.  On Sunday, the U-17s won their second U-17 Youth League match, beating new boys Western University 8-1 at the same ground. In Sodavid netted a first-half hat-trick which included a 25-yard top corner screamer that was easily goal of the game. Skipper Orn Chanpolin, Yeu Muslim and Mat Nuron scored more goals in the first-half but with most of the pitch waterlogged after the break, Mat Sakrovy and Nuron rounded off the scoring as both sides struggled to keep their feet.
PPCFC U-15s v Boeung Ket: Samnang, K Chhaya, Sovannaroth (Ronaldo 51), Baraing, Saphy, Chanchav (Pisoth 73), Rozak (N David 42), Piphop, Piseth (S David 64), Kakada (Chanmony 83), Noeut. Subs not used: Rafat, Sokraksa. Goals: Noeut 5 (1, 10, 17, 29, 53), Rozak (35), K Chhaya (56), Chanmony (89).  
PPCFC U-17s v Western: Soksela, Chansopheak, Phearath, Sovann, Baraing (Titchhy 45), Chanpolin, Sodavid (Rozak 83), Sakrovy (T Chhaya 75), Ponvuthy (Noeut 74), Nuron, Muslim (Piphop 75). Subs: Chanvuthy, Chanchav. Goals: Sodavid (21, 38, 45), Nuron (46, 92), Chanpolin (18), Muslim (36), Sakrovy (51).

PPCFC U-17s line-up, Back Row LtoR: Sodavid, Sakrovy, Soksela, Baraing, Chanpolin, Sovann. Front Row: Muslim, Chansopheak, Nuron, Phearath, Ponvuthy - click to enlarge

U-17 Youth League fixtures

The fixtures for Phnom Penh Crown's U-17s in the new Cambodia U-17 Youth League are below. There will be just 5 teams in the competition and they will meet each other twice before the Top 4 enter the play-offs in late December. All U-17 matches will be played at PPCFC's RSN Stadium in Tuol Kork.
PPCFC U-17 Fixtures:
13 Oct v SSCA - 2pm
20 Oct v Western U - 2pm
27 Oct v Army Youth Hope - 4pm
3 Nov v Svay Rieng - 4pm
1 Dec v SSCA - 2pm
4 Dec (Wed) v Western U - 2pm
8 Dec v Army Youth Hope - 4pm
15 Dec v Svay Rieng - 4pm
Play-offs on 22 and 28 Dec at RSN. Final on 29 Dec at Cheng Meng.